andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Lands whether he is correctly reported as saying on 6th February 1962 that neutrality is not a policy to which we would even wish to appear committed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Neutrality Policy: Minister's Statement.
54.
What I said on the occasion mentioned in this question was—"It has been made quite clear by the Taoiseach on different occasions that a policy of neutrality here in the present world division between Communism and freedom was never laid down by us or indeed ever envisaged by our people. Neutrality in this context is not a policy to which we would even wish to appear committed."
Is it not a fact that between 1939 and 1945, our political Leaders remained neutral during the Anglo-American and Russian war against the Nazis ? Could we know what development has taken place in the world which makes it necessary for us to abandon that neutralist situation ?
I have quoted what I stated on the occasion. I do not propose to add to or subtract from that statement for the edification of the Deputy.
Would the Minister say what he means by neutrality, bearing in mind that the Minister for External Affairs pursues a policy in the United Nations which he calls a neutral policy ?
That is a separate question.
It is a separate question. My reference to neutrality was in the sense I quoted in this statement, of the world position as between Communism and the Free World.
Was Hitler not anti-God ?
If there has been this very significant and important departure in regard to our foreign policy, surely the Minister owes it to the public to explain to them in simple terms what are the reasons for that departure, or is it suggested by the Government that, in their belief, Hitlerism, Nazism and Fascism are lesser evils than anything in the world today?
That is a separate question.
There has been no change in Government policy. I had made that quite clear. If the Deputy for his own ends——
Do not smear; keep away from this childish tale.
Order!
——wants to misinterpret what I am saying, he is entitled to do so.
That is a scandalous act, a low act. Read what the Minister for External Affairs said on 17th May.
I know——
Is the Minister aware that between 1939 and 1945 we were very careful not only to be neutral but in every possible way to appear to be neutral?
Question No. 55.
On what grounds do we take our present stand ? We are getting our spiritual values on the cheap.